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Glenarm Castle and Gardens

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Activities & Attractions in Antrim

Antrim’s position in the north-east corner has given it a central role in the history of Northern Ireland and its neighbours. The county is peppered with some of the finest castles and historic heritage sites on the island. As you make your way around, it’s not hard to see why it has been chosen as the location for so many TV shows and movies known for their epic grandeur and scale.

Back in time at Antrim Castle Gardens

Antrim Castle Gardens, a 400-year-old gem is located just outside Antrim town itself near the shores of Lough Neagh. It features the famous Italian Tower, the playful Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and the elegant Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House where you’ll find out all about the gardens and the story of their owners - the highly influential Massereene family. Take the chance to check out the 10th century round tower in Antrim, a prominent reminder of the town’s role as an ancient monastic settlement.

Across the Lough lies Carrickfergus Castle

Castle hunters are spoilt for choice in this part of the world. At the imposing Carrickfergus Castle overlooking Belfast Lough, you’ll find an excellent example of what the Normans were able to put together when they got here 800 years ago; yet remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. A recent excavation uncovered an escape tunnel under the castle. You would do well to locate it just in case you run into ‘Button Cap’, the resident ghost.

Walk the glorious, gut-wrenching Gobbins Cliff Path

Roused by all those tales of valour and knights in shining armour, you’ll no doubt be tempted to test your own mettle. You will need it if you decide to take the walk along the world famous Gobbins Cliff Path. This spectacular cliff walk was originally built in 1902 by a railway engineer with an apparent dash of the daredevil in him. A dramatic and challenging experience with steep narrow steps and striking suspension bridges. The payback is huge though as the views along the rugged coast are spectacular.

Gorgeous grounds of Glenarm Castle

Further up the coast from the aforementioned Carrickfergus, sits a very different but no less impressive fortification, Glenarm Castle. This has been part of the McDonnell family since 1686. They still own and live on the grounds but thankfully they like to have visitors to enjoy its world-famous walled garden. This little piece of heaven was in fact used in the movie Five Minutes from Heaven starring Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt.

Count the Glens of Antrim

There are nine Glens of Antrim and each of them has their own unique character, offering spectacular views and hidden gems of history in equal measure. For walkers, The Glens can be tackled through two waymarked footpaths. The Ulster Way will take you through dramatic seaside scenery and coastal villages, while the 32km Moyle Way runs inland across the plateau from Glenariff Forest Park to Ballycastle.

Stop in the picturesque towns and villages dotted along the Glen's path for a real taste of local life, including Glenarm, Carnlough, Cushendall and Cushendun - each of which has a distinct story to tell. In Cushendun, you’ll find the famous Caves, one of the many spectacular spots that were used in the filming of Game of Thrones®. And look out for the beloved sculpture of ‘Johann’ the goat – a famous local resident!

Make your way through The Dark Hedges

Of course, every fan of Game of Thrones® will want to make their way to the famous Dark Hedges outside Ballymoney. When the renowned Stuart family planted this beautiful avenue of beech trees in the eighteenth century they did so to impress those approaching their marvellous mansion at Gracehill House. They could hardly have guessed how famous these ‘dark hedges’ would become. And today they are unarguably the most photographed beech trees in the world. It's atmospheric and impressive, regardless of the weather, so if you've time definitely mark this on your map.

Step into the Island life on Rathlin

Hop on the ferry to Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island. There's lots of scenic walking trails to enjoy, and take the opportunity to learn about island life at the Boathouse Visitor Centre. Home to the largest breeding seabird colonies in Europe and RSPB Seabird Centre, birdwatchers and nature lovers will delight in a trip. Or for something different, head for Rathlin West Light which is known locally as the ‘upside down’ lighthouse.

Swing over to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

If that isn’t enough excitement for one holiday then the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is exactly what you’re after. Connecting a tiny island with the mainland, this once-temporary structure was built specially by salmon fishermen, and although the rickety rope bridge has been replaced with a much sturdier version, even in the lightest of breezes you might feel it...sway a little.

The site car park will be open at weekends for visitors to walk this section of the Causeway Coastal Route, with a £5 charge for car parking, free for National Trust members and local pass holders.

Stop and sip at Bushmills Distillery

For whiskey lovers, a visit to Ireland’s oldest working distillery at Bushmills is a must. After taking the excellent behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery you will get to sample a wee dram for yourself. Just be sure you’ve crossed all those tricky bridges beforehand.

A cliff edge castle at Dunluce

Heading west out of Bushmills, the coastal route reveals one of the jewels in Northern Ireland's crown, Dunluce Castle. Perched dramatically on the cliffs of the coast, this breathtaking castle ruin has inspired artists and writers through the centuries. Built around 1500 by the local MacQuillan family, it was later seized by the Scottish MacDonnell clan and boasts a tumultuous history. Take some time to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this castle via the audio-visual tour.

Find your port of call in Portrush

Just a 10-minute drive west of Dunluce Castle you’ll find the fun loving seaside town of Portrush. Set on a mile-long peninsula with glorious blue flag beaches either side and an impressive rocky edge, the town is full of charm and plenty to keep you entertained. This picturesque seaside town has grown from a small fishing village into a very popular holiday destination for Northern Ireland locals and those from all over the world. The town is filled with friendly people and tonnes of activities for people of all ages including a world-renowned golf course and the largest amusement park in Ireland.

Last, but not least, the Giant’s Causeway

According to legend, Finn McCool, a giant of Irish mythology, built a bridge to challenge his arch enemy in Scotland. Though we’re famous for our engineering prowess, that one is a bit of a stretch. In fact, the Giant's Causeway was engineered by mother nature and came about as a result of a volcanic eruption that left behind this strange but magical patchwork of basalt. The geographical wonder is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. The legend and the truth of their formation are all explained in fine detail at the state-of-the-art visitor centre, from where you can stroll down to the stones (or take the shuttle bus) and hopscotch across the smooth stone platforms.

If that little lot hasn’t left you yearning for an epic adventure on this county steeped in epic legends, awesome natural architecture and jaw-dropping views, then there’s a whole lot more epic-ness just waiting to be discovered.

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Number of results: 416

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Surf Belfast

Belfast

Address

Andersonstown Leisure Centre, 132 Andersonstown Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT11 9BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 2890 726 311

andersonstown@gll.org

Type

Type:

Surfing

Catch a wave, whatever the conditions outside at Northern Ireland’s first ever indoor surf simulator. Pumps fire a constant 5 metre wide wave sheet to challenge riders.

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Riverbush Salmon Station

Bushmills

Address

21 Church Street, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 30 0200 7860

Bush@deara-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

When conditions are right, high quality salmon angling is available on three stretches of the river - the New, Town, and Leap sections.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

Belfast

Address

2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9053 4800

proni@communities-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Ancestry / Tracing Your Routes

PRONI holds an extensive range of private archives and is the main venue for researching family and local history or for discovering the economic, social and political history of Northern Ireland.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
82 reviews
Whiterocks Beach

Portrush

Address

Whiterocks Car Park, Dunluce Road A2, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4723

coleraine.vic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

A regular recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag Award, Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Eagle Divers NI

Antrim

Address

14A Castle Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 4NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7756 699 880

info@eaglediversni.com

Type

Type:

Diving & SubAqua

Whether it be your first time or you haven't been diving for a few years, we can help. We offer high quality PADI Certified scuba classes from entry-level course through to professional level training.

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The Lost City Adventure Golf

Belfast

Address

Unit 10 Cityside Retail Park, 100-150 York Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT15 1JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 5118

belfast@lostcityadventuregolf.com

Type

Type:

Mini Golf and Pitch and Putt

Start your epic adventure at The Lost City Adventure Golf, Northern Ireland’s first indoor adventure golf course.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Slievenacloy Nature Reserve

Lisburn

Address

Flowbog Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 3TE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4483 0282

info@ulsterwildlife.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Slievenacloy is a vast wildlife paradise of grassland, meadows, rush and heath. It is particularly important for orchids, birds and fungi and offers panoramic views from the Mournes to the Sperrins and beyond. The site is managed by Ulster Wildlife.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside - must be on a lead
Willow and Lore Heritage Farm Experiences

Newtowncrommelin

Address

15A Craigdunloof Road, Newtowncrommelin, County Antrim, BT43 6RQ

Telephone
+44 (0)7857579710

willowandlore@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

We capture the old Irish way of life with hands on experiences of traditional farming activities, learning traditional skills working with natural materials, sharing stories of local heritage & folklore all in an authentic farm setting surrounded by…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to30 Nov 2025Open 09:30 - 16:30

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Colin Glen Golf

Belfast

Address

115 Blacks Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT10 0NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9060 1133

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Colin Glen offers an exceptional leisure site which is home to premium golf facilities catering for people of all ages and playing abilities. With everything from Northern Ireland’s first TrackMan Driving Range, Indoor TrackMan Suite to a 9-hole…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Belfast Print Workshop

Belfast

Address

Cotton Court, 30 – 42 Waring Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1323

office@bpw.org.uk

Type

Type:

Art & Photography

The longest established resource in Northern Ireland for artists wanting to work in the various printmaking media to create original art work.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk

Belfast

Address

163 Stewartstown Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT17 0HW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9061 4115

reception@colinglen.org

Type

Type:

Nature Trail

It’s Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail; a Julia Donaldson-endorsed walk. Step into the glorious world of the Gruffalo. Enter the deep, dark wood, meet the clever little mouse, the fox, the owl, the snake, before stumbling upon those knobbly…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Thieves & Steel Day Tour

Larne

Address

1b Nixon Building, LEDCOM, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 0385

bookings@condorexecutive.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

As you travel, our storytellers will delight you with tales of fairies, giants and local folklore. This tour combines ethereal myths and legends with the power of castles, engines and steel walkways. It’s Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Layde Walk

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Car Park, The Cloney, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0AB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short walk through the streets of Glenarm village.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Giant of Drums experience with Bellahill Culture & Cuisine

Ballycarry

Address

2 Bellahill Road, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2303

w.b.thompson61@outlook.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Let your heart beat to the sound of the Lambeg Drum as you become immersed in its large role within Northern Irish culture.
An interactive history and music lesson all in one, you’ll be treated to a live performance from one of Northern Ireland's…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to1 Jan 2026

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Tour

Belfast

Address

c/o: Irish Tour Tickets shop, 10 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 0101

info@irishtourtickets.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Travel on one of our luxury coaches to discover the sights and attractions of County Antrim. Irish Tour Tickets are the only company travelling from Belfast that includes admission to the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre.

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Iron Islands & Giant's Causeway from Belfast

Belfast

Address

Pickup from Leonardo Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 6DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9568 0023

belfast@gameofthronestours.com

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Visit Cushendun Caves where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow assassin, the Iron Islands beach where Theon and Euron Greyjoy were born again in the ‘Drowned God’, Dragonstone beach, the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges.

Dates

Price
Price £45.00 to £49.00 Per Ticket

More Info
George Best Trail

Belfast

Address

Avalon House, 278-280 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT4 1HE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Type

Type:

Self-guided tour

The George Best Trail guides you through the football legend’s humble beginnings in east Belfast. It will guide you to places of interest including his family home, the local playing fields and his favourite east Belfast haunts.

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Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

Islandmagee

Address

Gobbins Studio Économusée, 147 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7712 464 966

audreykyleart@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Artist Audrey Kyle works from a converted barn called Gobbins Studio Économusée, nestled on top of the Gobbins Cliffs on a working family farm. She displays her original unique watercolour paintings, cards and prints in her studio/gallery and runs…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
White Park Bay

Ballintoy

Address

157 Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NH

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A classic embayment beach of white sands & wild dunes

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
CabtoursNI.com

Belfast

Address

Fisherwick Place, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 6DY

bobby@cabtoursni.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

On a tour you will visit the Falls Road and Shankill Road where you will learn of the history of conflict between the two communities and witness the Peaceline wall which divides the two. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.

More Info